Valeria Chekalina (born October 6, 1992, Tolyatti) is a Russian blogger, fitness coach, and entrepreneur known for her significant influence on the Russian internet in the 2020s. She graduated with honors from Moscow State University, holding degrees from the Higher School of Business and the Economics Faculty. Starting her blog in 2011, she gained major popularity between 2019 and 2021 through weight loss marathons, fitness and nutrition courses, and sales of clothing and cosmetics, amassing over 10 million Instagram followers and millions of rubles in revenue.
In 2023, Valeria and her ex-husband Artem Chekalin were accused of transferring more than 311 million rubles abroad and tax evasion. She was placed under house arrest in October 2024. In November 2025, she was reported pregnant by dance coach Luis Squicciarini, with delivery expected in March 2026. Due to deteriorating health in February 2026, her court hearing was postponed. Valeria is currently barred from internet access, with her Instagram managed by her mother Elvira. Despite these issues, the Lerchek brand continues to operate.
